Love ,Empathy and Leaders

Love starts at home!

Not exactly a new concept, but one that should be remembered by all of us.
I have known people that came from homes that were very loving. I have also known people that have not been so fortunate, mostly due to not knowing how to love.
Sometimes I talk with people who have had terrible problems, and have risen above them and found a way to endure them if they couldn't change them, or change them, usually with seeking education about it.
I marvel at how a mother's love never dies.
Her kids can do some things, that others would like to strangle them for, but she always understands them. And, yes, knows when they are right or wrong. And ,no, she doesn't always think they can do no wrong.. she just understands, they are human and its alright to be human. She understands as humans, they may make mistakes and its not bad to make mistakes, its only bad not to fix the mistakes or at least attempt to make it as good as can be.
They are part of her, she is part of them, and that will never change no matter the miles or the differences.
One of the best things, I think that a mom can do, is to help her children to love. Love has many aspects. One of the aspects of love that is absolutely without question, vital for them to learn is, empathy!
This vital skill, is learned when we teach them to be kind. Teaching them not to hit because it hurts someone else. Teaching them to share, even if its their most loved toy, or the last M&M in the bag. Encouraging them to remember to say thank you and please, showing that they appreciate something someone else has done or said. Helping them to think of others and how they may be able to positively impact that person's life for the better.
When her children are grown and can reach into their hearts, and understand where another person is coming from, and then act with kindness, because of that information, she knows they have learned a measure of empathy that is vital for all human interactions. Temper that with understanding basic human nature, both the good and bad parts, and that person is well on their way to have what it takes be a real leader.